Showakinen Park Winter Vista Illumination

Japan has always been known for the world’s largest and most divine illumination events in the world. One of which is Showakinen Park’s Winter Vista Illumination. Have you been? If not, come and witness the awesome attractions with us!

If you’re a fan of lights and all things glittery (winter season or not), the Showakinen Park’s got you covered between December 2nd until December 25th! This vast area offers magnificent sceneries and a plethora of recreational activities fit for people of all ages.

History

Showakinen Park, which was developed in 1983 is just an hour away from Tokyo. The park was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Hirorito’s time spent in power.

As for the Winter Vista celebration, the first ever illumination in Showakinen happened in 2010. The venue originally was only known for its beautiful spring and autumn gardens featuring a wide variety of greenery and flora. The entire place beams with nature’s beauty—chery blossoms, poppies, tulips, and many more. But when ice crystals start to pour in, gardens become covered in snow. To bring the park back to its stimulating landscape, the illumination event was created.

Splendid Themed Gardens

Since Showakinen Park offers a manifold of themed gardens, making it the perfect place to explore!

The most famous spots being, the Canal

and the Fureai Field.

イルミの点灯時間は5時から9時まで。明日2日はオープニングセレモニーと花火の打ち上げを5時から行います。#showakinenpark #japan #illumination #イルミネーション #昭和記念公園

A post shared by 国営昭和記念公園 (@showakinenpark) on Dec 1, 2017 at 4:14am PST

Marvel at the splendor of artificial flowers with the mountain of lights in the background.

Here’s another angle.

A tunnel studded with colorful LED lights to set a romantic—ethereal even—mood.

Fountain of lights! The water and lights dances along with the cheerful music in the background. Capped off with a colorful fireworks display!

Of course, aside from visual enjoyment, the park as various cafes, food stalls, restaurants, and tea rooms available. The park is also complete with amenities including good ol’ drink machines. You can even bring your pet along to revel in the lighting attraction.

Fees

Entrance fee varies per age group. Infants and Toddlers between 0-5 years old can get in for free. Children between 6-14 years old pay 80 yen while adults, ages 15-64 get charged 410 yen for the entrance fee. Seniors get discounts and only pay 210 yen for the entrance fee.

How To Get There

From Tokyo, you can reach the park in 40 minutes by train from Shinjuku.

Tachikawa Gate

Showakinen Park is a few minutes away from Tachikawa Station. Take the station’s north exit to get to Akebono Gate in under 10 minutes. This gate leads to Tachikawa Gate where entrance fees are collected before entering the actual venue. This route is great for first-timers and those looking to take the shortest route to the park as possible.

Nishi-Tachikawa Gate

The gate can be accessed through JR Ome Line. Get off at the Nishi-Tachikawa Station to reach the Nishi-Tachikawa Gate in 15 minutes. Second timers prefer this route because it gives access to the Waterfowl Lack and Rainbow Pool complex. It’s also less congested compared to the Tachikawa Gate.

The Sunagawacho Gate

The route preferred by locals and tourists staying near the park who have access to the Seibu Haijima line from the Musashisunagawa stations. It’s a 20-minute walk, though so better have your layers game ready.